Lawler, 40, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in his twenties. In December 1993, he was declared legally blind — the same month his mother lost her battle with cancer. It is a combination of experiences that has galvanized Jeffrey, enabling him to pursue a medical career despite doubt and discouragement from people who don’t know him. With the support of his wife, Sandy, whom he describes as his “rock,” Jeff works closely with his school to plan what recorded course materials he needs to obtain in advance. Together they are exploring alternative means for Jeff, and other medical students with disabilities, to access medical information. On its web page, Western U details the long historical tradition of physicians who were blind, from ancient Baghdad to the present day.

Through the use of recorded materials from RFB&D, Jeff has tackled difficult medical course material. “I can’t say enough about RFB&D. It's been wonderful,” he says. Jeff especially appreciates the fact that knowledgeable volunteers read the text and thoroughly describe illustrations, charts and graphs. “It’s a huge help to learning," he explains. As an added bonus, Jeff has found a study ally in Maria King, a third year medical student who is also an RFB&D volunteer in California. His on-campus independence and success is further heightened by the constant assistance and companionship of Burke, his guide dog. Jeff looks forward to completing his course work and moving on to clinical rotations and residency, which will help him decide what area of medicine he would like to specialize in.

Photo by Jess Lopatynski, Western University of Health Sciences

Since Maria "Teresa" Balestra won the 1995 Marion Huber Learning Through Listening award from RFB&D, the 23-year-old majored in unified early childhood education and graduated from the University of Florida with a 3.97 GPA. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Miami.

An RFB&D member since 1992, Teresa, who has a weakness in processing speed and auditory memory, has used books from RFB&D as tools in her academic career.

Much of Teresa's free time is spent helping others. As part of her commitment to children’s education, Maria has traveled to Guatemala with LIFO, her church’s missionary group. There, she and other volunteers have been assisting the overworked staff of an orphanage for children with disabilities. In its first visit, the group conducted an assessment of the facility, which is run-down and in great need of repairs and donations. On a subsequent trip, Teresa acted as a special education teacher instructor, teaching the orphanage staff about how to assess the children and set up classes for them. “I feel good knowing that they are trying to implement our suggestions,” says Teresa. On weekends when she is home, Teresa continues to work with a child from the Up With Down Syndrome Foundation, a commitment she began back in high school.

"RFB&D helped me be independent and have a balanced life."

If you have an RFB&D success story of your own, please e-mail us about it (one page or less) at success@rfbd.org. By doing so, you grant us permission to possibly use this information in future publications. Please include your phone number, so we can call you for further information, if needed.

RFB&D works for them -- it can work for you or someone you know! For further information, please call RFB&D's national headquarters at (800) 803-7201.